a world of café stories

Espresso Workshop, Auckland

By KENNY MAH and CK LIM

We don’t remember if we came here on a barista’s recommendation or if we simply stumbled upon it (equally likely), but discovering Espresso Workshop was heavensent.

Admittedly the coffee bar in Auckland’s revived Britomart neighbourhood isn’t the original (that honour belongs to their Parnell Roastery and headquarters in Falcon Street) but that hardly matters when the coffee is exceptional.

How exceptional? Well, they’ve trained and produced Auckland’s top-ranked baristas annually since 2009. That’s a record that speaks for itself.

Founded in 2007 by Erica and Andrew Smart, Espresso Workshop offers more than its namesake; besides espresso-based beverages, single origin drip coffee is also available. Relax in the wood-and-steel café while baristas dance around behind the bar, joking and laughing, brewing good coffee, one cup after another.

It’s a joy to behold, and when your cuppa arrives, glorious from the sip to the last.